Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover

Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover 

DESCRIPTION

The Rodeo comes with 2 engine options; the smaller 2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line with a modest 130 hp or the 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 with 205 hp with choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Also choose between 2 and 4 wheel drive.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 21-30 of 325  
[Dec 05, 2005]
Preluding99
Model Reviewed: Isuzu

Strength:

Powerful V-6 engine. 6-disc in dash CD changer. 4x4 capabilities. Sharp styling cues.

Weakness:

Consistently having issues with numerous items. Poor seat quality. Depreciation is killer!

I bought a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport 4x4 with the 3.2 L V-6 engine. The truck drives well, but does suck down the gasoline pretty badly. Overall, it's served it purposes, except the fact Isuzu's depreciate in value rapidly.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jul 14, 2005]
brglotus
Model Reviewed: Rodeo

Strength:

Good looking when it's not in the shop.

Weakness:

The whole truck

I bought the top of the line Rodeo that was available. After one month my car started having a vibration in the engine compartment. I brought it in to be serviced 3 times and the problem never went away which sucks because the only ISUZU dealership is over an hour away from me. I was told no rentals because japanese cars don't brake down. 2 Months later my car just dies on me while doing 65mph and I almost crash into the back of some cars. It dies on the road and has to be pushed off the highway. I get it towed to Murphy ISUZU in PA, they said my engine needs to be replaced and would take weeks to come in. After talking with ISUZU and yelling at them they fianlly gave me a 2 day rental car, despite my car being in the shop now for 2 weeks. They get the new engine in and it comes in broken. The car has been in the shop for month and ISUZU customer service is pointless and will try to get out of paying for anything. After owning this suv for 4 months now it's been in the shop every month and sat for a whole month to get a new engine. The day after i got my Rodeo back, it started raining and started to hesitate (wouldn't get out of first and almost broke down). I told they guy at the shop their's still something wrong with it he responded "Don't get the truck wet". I can't believe how much crap i've had to put up with over this vehicle. My vehicle thankfully meets my state's Lemon Law and i'm going through the Better Business Bureau. ISUZU IS THE WORST COMPANY EVER. Both service place's sucked, they don't support their product's, they try to get out of every warranty issue, and parts take forever to get in. I will never buy another ISUZU again and strongly suggest no one else should. Even if i did get a lemon, their service sucks and parts are expensive and impossible to get.

Similar Products Used:

98 Honda Passport 98 Ford Explorer 89 Chevy Blazer

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Jul 12, 2005]
inlandsurfer17
Model Reviewed: Isuzu Rodeo LS

Strength:

Peppy engine with power drive on. Decent Mileage Only needs 87 octane. Handles good for it's size on freeway. Everyone seems to like it, while not really knowing what it is. Nice ride with new shocks.

Weakness:

Finding aftermarket parts is a freaking pain. Gas consumption with power drive on. Not the best ride ever. Isuzu stopped making Rodeos!

I bought this car used and it seems to be proving itself overtime. The 4wd sstem works good and with the "power drive" engaged, it has decent get-up and go. I am getting a bunch for it to improve its kinda bland apperance (though nice). After getting new Gabriel shocks at AutoZone the ride is greatly improved, and if you are willing to look (ALOT) there's some stuff to customize it.

Similar Products Used:

01 Mitsubishi Montero 01 BMW 325i 03 Jaguar XJ8 L 02 Ford Explorer girlfriends 99 VW Bug

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 27, 2005]
dlrfly18
Model Reviewed: Isuzu/Rodeo

Strength:

Good reliable vehicle for the first 30,000 miles. Roomy for our needs

Weakness:

Numerous mechanical problems as stated above. Manufacturer doesn't stand behid their product.

We have had several problems with this vehicle. Initially, after 50,400 miles the air conditioning went out. The manufacture warranty is 50,000 and they would not cover. We were told that since we bought the vehicle used, they would grant us the additional 400 miles over the original warranty amount. Second, the transmission went out on the vehicle at just over 75,000. This is just over the warranty period. Again, they would not cover this. We ended up having to spend $1,600 to have a rebuilt one to replace. Third, we had the #1 spark disintegrate. The service department cannot seem to find where the problem started, but have determined, to this point the damage is over $2,000. Their recommendation is that we replace the engine with a new long block for $6,300. We talked with a salvage yard that handles strictly Isuzu and their immediate response when I told them that I blew the engine was that the #1 threw a rod a totalled the engine. They are telling me that Isuzu is over charging me for the engine, which I concur with. They also said that this happens fairly often. While we like the vehicle because it serves it's purpose for camping, we have begun to feel it in the pocket book. Be forewarned that once we went over 50,000 miles, the problems began. We are looking forward to being able to trade this vehicle in to get a more reliable vehicle.

Similar Products Used:

N/A

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Jun 20, 2005]
shaynesintz
Model Reviewed: LS 4x4 3.2L V6

Strength:

- Power? - Nothing compared to my 2004 Jeep 4.7L V8 (which gets 19MPG - that's 3 MPG better than the Rodeo!) - Generally good ride for a truck (city and hwy). - I was fooling myself. This thing rides like a skateboard. - Good highway stability. - Still good. - Price/Value (so far). - Still good - Ok until you reach about 30-50K, then things get really bad (expensive). - Good cargo space. (Stereo system added, no space anymore... will be coming out). - Power windows (good so far). - Still good. - Power locks (good so far). - Still good. - Reliable - hasn't left me stranded (as it shouldn't with less than 40K on it). - Left me stranded with dead battery multiple times. - Good front/rear leg room. - Same.

Weakness:

- Vibration at 55+ MPH. - This issue lead to me ultimately selling this piece of crap. - Friggin' check engine light. - Resolved - EGR, PCV, Intake Manifold Gasket replaced. No problems since about 40K (now at 61K). - Spongy ride- Likely the worst riding SUV available. Test drive and compare, you'll see. - Seats are too hard on rides more than 30 minutes - I lifted front of driver's seat up with spacers for better leg support. - Like sitting on a park bench. I used to have to stop 4-5 times on a 3 hr drive to VT with the Rodeo, but I was able to drive non-stop with my Jeep. These things were horrible. - ABS is too over-compensating. Ended up pulling the ABS fuse after countless close encounters. You're actually better off w/o the ABS on this vehicle.

Summary: Follow up from review by "shaynesintz", Nov 2004. By far the worst vehicle ever owned. (compared to 1986 Buick Somerset, 1987 Chevy Caviler, 1989 Ford Escort, 1989 Ford Ppobe, 1993 Ford Probe SE). I'll never buy another Isuzu again, and I'll do whatever I can to prevent this from happening to others. Please read my whoel review before considering puchasing an Isuzu! I made it to 70K miles with the 2000 Rodeo, but shelled out over $3K in repairs in final few months that didn't solve a damn thing. Most notably is the vibration mentioned below. New tires, two new sets of rims, brake/hub work, suspension work, more alignments and wheel balancings than I can remember (at least 10) and the vibration is still there. This is no minor vibration, it's the kind that bounces loose change in the cupholder on the interstate. You combine this with about the worst ride quality in the mid-sized SUV class, and it gets intolerable for drives more than 50-100 miles. I ended up being told that the vibration was caused by "inexpensive" truck tires. I dunno about you, but the $100/tire I spent wasn't inexpensive. I was told that purchasing new Michelin LTX M/S tires would improve ride and resolve the vibration. This was complete B.S., but I thought that this would be a good last straw before selling it. I shelled out $750 at Tire Warehouse for 4 new Michelin tires and it actually made the vibration worse, if you can believe it. The very same day, I test drove a handful of other SUVs and purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee (Special Edition). Here's the list of the 27 times my Isuzu Rodeo needed to go into the shop in 3 years. Yes, that is 9x per year on average! 05/29/05 Vibration SB - Rodeo Vibration Diagnosis Flow Chart - AllData Bulletin #SB00-08-S003. Wheel balance corrected (dropped weight). Tire condition checked for round, warping, wear patterns. OK. TFTire recommended dealer/certified work done for SB and wheel bearing. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 69,900mi 05/29/05 Passenger front wheel bearing bad/has noticable play. TFTire recommended service work to replace/repair (not repack) pass front wheel bearing. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 69,900mi 05/21/05 Replaced OEM battery. Chronic jump start needed. 69,600mi 11/04/04 Dealership identified replacement rims as "bad" again. Quoted $620 for rim replacement. Also found too much weight on front rims, and worst rims on the back. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 60,700mi 10/19/05 Purchased new OEM steel wheels from Town Fair Tire. Balanced, aligned. Aftermarket wheels returned. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 59,500mi 10/25/04 Purchased new aftermarket chrome alloys. Mounted/balanced by Town Fair. Vibration just as bad with brand new, aftermarket alloy rims, indicating vibration is not rim/wheel issue. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 59,400mi 09/24/04 Road force balanced. Wheels identified as bent (again). No improvement. Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 58,900mi 09/00/04 Wheels balanced. Tech stated rims as "bad". Wheel shimmy and body vibration. 58,900mi 09/18/04 Replaced EGR valve, cleared ODBII code. CEL on. OBDII showed "EGR insufficient flow". 58,100mi 08/19/04 All pads replaced, front rotors machined, rear rotors replaced. Braking vibration 57,200mi 05/19/04 Replaced cover and seal assembly. - Resolved. Transmission slipping. 57,200mi 05/19/04 Thumping from rear of vehicle after stopping. Dealer couldn't identify. Still exists. Thumping in rear. 57,200mi 05/19/04 Replaced fuel sending unit and pump. Recalibrated. - Resolved. Gas gauge not working. 57,200mi 05/00/04 Adjusted front wheel bearings. Repacked, not replaced. Front hubs loose, vibration/shimmy 48,100mi 03/29/04 Re-alignment performed. Pulling to right. 01/05/04 4 new tires, mounted/balanced. 4-wheel alignment. Tires worn out, wheel shimmy vibration. 46,700mi 02/21/03 OBDII showed lean fuel mix. Failed intake manifold gasket. Repaired at Baker Isuzu under warranty. CEL on, stalling. 37,838mi 12/24/02 Failed bank 1 O2 sensor. Replaced. CEL on. 32,000mi 12/24/02 Tires totated, front end alignment. Pulling to right. 29,800mi 05/07/02 Loose right side running board, loose undercarriage part. Tightened. Clunking from right front. 32,100mi 03/07/02 Replaced stabilizer link. Road tested. Under dealer warranty. Clunking from front. 02/22/02 Road tested, no problem found. Undercarriage checked, no problems found. Checked for rear suspension recall issue. Not found. Clunking from front pass side on bumps. 29,600mi 02/22/02 30,000 mile service: Oil, Gear Oil, Coolant, Air filter, break cleaner. All other belts/coolants checked. 30,000 mile maintenance 29,800mi 09/08/01 Re-alignment performed. Pulls to RT, vibration on interstate 23,700mi 06/23/01 Alignment performed. Pulls to RT, vibration on interstate 18,500mi

Similar Products Used:

Similar Products Used: - '94 Ford Exploder. - '96 GMC Blazer - '01 Nissan Exterra. - '00 Toyota 4Runner. - '04 Ford F-150 - '05 Toyota Tacoma. - '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee (currently own).

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[Jun 12, 2005]
averebely
Model Reviewed: Isuzu Rodeo

Strength:

Great pick up, good radio (although after 4 years my cd player only plays one cd rather than 6)Low maintenance and low expenses for tuneups and oil changes compared to my husband's Land Rover. LOVE the sun roof!!!

Weakness:

It does not have a lot of storage space in the rear or front. It's not too bad though - the dash could be redesigned for more room. Bad glove compartment - not big at all.

This is the greatest SUV! It is low maintenance, not bad on gas and nice to look at. It doesn't have 4WD but it has a power button and ice button. That's all we need in my neck of VA - ice is pretty much what we deal with during the winter. I have been very happy with this car!

Similar Products Used:

Jeep Cherokee and Land Rover

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 30, 2005]
chipface
Model Reviewed: Isuzu Rodeo LS

Strength:

Fast for a 6 cylinder. Loads of features for the $. Problem free for 6 years.

Weakness:

12-16 MPG. Radio was weak at best.

We owned a 1999 Durango that was totaled in a wreck. I purchased the Rodeo new. I added a Flow Master exhaust, and a KnN air filter as well as bigger after market tires. I pounded the hell out of this thing and never had it to the dealer. I replaced a battery after 2 years(typical in FL) and had the usual services,oil,tranny,radiator flush. I was pleased with the money I paid and the features the Rodeo had.We looked at a PASSPORT, same vehicle, MUCH higer cost for the Honda emblem. I have 2 friends who purchased there's around the same time fram and they were also trouble free.

Similar Products Used:

Durango Honda Passport Ford Explorer

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 21, 2005]
KVarney
Model Reviewed: Isuzu Rodeo "LS" 4X4

Weakness:

Poor Engine Construction. We have had two engines put in this vehicle now and still can't get lemon law. They fought us tooth and nail to replace the first one and then refused to replace the second one. Also, the electical harness caught fire and had to be completely replaced. Now, we are having to put yet another engine in this vehicle ourselves. I should now have a vehicle with 65000 miles worth approximately 12000. What I have is a piece of crap that has absolutely no resale value.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Jan 03, 2005]
stevenj
Model Reviewed: Isuzu Rodeo

Strength:

For the cost, it's roomier than other SUVs of similar costs.

Weakness:

Poor performance and quality, depreciate faster than other SUVs.

I bought my Isuzu Rodeo and I drove for 3 years. However, I've had many problems with it. The car is now having problems with radiator and the head gasket. Before, steering broke (fortunately this was covered under warranty). This car is now worth nothing, actually, I still owe them payments so it's actually costing me to keep it. Recommendation: don't buy. Buy Honda or Toyota. Less trouble and it does not depreciate as fast.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Dec 29, 2004]
cleea9
Model Reviewed: Rodeo LS

Strength:

Can't think of any

Weakness:

Bad gas mileage, bad reliability

We bought our 2001 Rodeo brand new in April 2001. By January we had to take it in because after starting, it would just shut off. The dealer said they just needed to restart it but 1 eek later we were in there again. This time they explained that it had something to do with the gas line? For the next few months it was fine then started having a the same problems again. So for the past 3 years of owning this car i have always had this problem and finally at 53,000 mi. While driving home with my 2 young children it left me stranded on the side of the expressway. The dealer now tells me that i'm going to need a new engine. They wanted copies of all of the oil changes that we've had in the past or else we would have to pay out of pocket for this new engine. Since we couldn't produce all of the receipts, we are waiting to see if Isuzu is going to cover it under the power train warranty??? We have always taken good care of this car, it's been garage kept and well maintained and given us nothing but problems!!

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
Showing 21-30 of 325  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

carreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com